Final answer:
Visual or symbolic harassment encompasses non-verbal behaviors that create an intimidating hostile or offensive environment. examples include inappropriate staring, offensive gestures, and displaying derogatory messages on personal items. It is a form of harassment that is legally recognized and contributes to a hostile work environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of visual or symbolic harassment include behaviors that are not necessarily physical but can have an impact on an individual's psychological well-being or create a hostile environment. the options provided in the question demonstrate various forms of this type of harassment:
- Inappropriate or threatening staring or glaring can be classified as visual harassment as it uses non-verbal cues to intimidate or make someone feel uncomfortable.
- Obscene, threatening, or offensive gestures fall under symbolic harassment because these gestures communicate hostility without the use of words.
- Displaying offensive t-shirts, coffee mugs, or bumper stickers can also be considered symbolic harassment, as these items carry messages that can create a hostile or offensive environment for others, particularly if those messages are derogatory or discriminatory.
Notably, derogatory or demeaning comments or jokes would be categorized as verbal harassment rather than visual or symbolic. It is important to recognize that harassment can extend beyond physical actions to include visual and symbolic forms that contribute to a hostile or offensive work environment, as protected by law and described by agencies like the EEOC.